Honestly, Kim Dokja probably should have expected that the kids would learn to swear eventually. No matter how much they tried to insist that the kids be polite and learn good manners, it was probably a bit of a lost cause in the apocalypse.
Still, that didn't stop Yoo Joonghyuk from shooting a death glare at the author, almost daring her to try and teach Yoo Mia such things on his watch. He was just a bit overprotective, especially considering the fact that she almost certainly already knew all the curse words thanks to being in the apocalypse in the first place.
[constellations who like children insist that the children should not use foul language.]
The enforcers state that Paul will be handed over to them, effective immediately, and that he has a right to remain silent regarding scenarios that he's overseen. However, his authority to conduct the Main Scenario has been retracted. Deepening the wound, they state that he will be demoted to the status of a 'lesser dokkaebi' and begin to speak of his punishment.
Cutting them off, Paul angrily demands to know why he's getting demoted since—in his eyes at least—he hasn't done anything wrong. He claims that the scenario ended on a high note and that the constellations enjoyed it, citing the fact that there were no issues with the plausibility of the situation since the majority of constellations agreed that he could use the 'Scenario Enforcement Executive Rights'. He then attempts to speak of the constellations once again in an urgent fashion but he's, thankfully, cut off by the enforcers.
[This is why storytellers are a nuisance. Constellations this, constellations that,] the enforcer states in a dismissive and mocking voice, causing Paul to look quite angry as he pauses speaking.
"So he can't run main scenarios anymore?" Yoo Mia asked to clarify, looking more than a bit gleeful at the thought.
Jung Heewon shot her a thumbs up. "Exactly! And he got demoted, too!"
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is mocking the dokkaebi 'paul'.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is cheering for the downfall of the dokkaebi 'paul'.]
Yoo Joonghyuk huffed as he narrowed his eyes in distaste. "No matter how the dokkaebi claim they're in control, they all pander to the constellations in the end."
That was very true, and it was honestly good to see that Paul was getting his just desserts. Still, was he an idiot, talking about the constellations' opinions to the enforcers like that? If there was one group who would not feel sympathetic in any way, it was them.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' decries the constellations who agreed with the dokkaebi 'paul'.]
Not all the dokkaebis hold 'constellations' in high regard.
Suddenly, an image appears of an arrogant looking figure draped in furs and gold standing over one with naught but a ragged veil thrown over their head, which they hold in their hands.
'Enforcers'—they're those who were once constellations, but due to losing their status by unavoidable circumstances, had to live on by joining the ranks of the dokkaebis.
The enforcers remind him of the conditions of using the 'Scenario Enforcement Executive Rights', and Paul states that he's aware and that—without the shared cost—a probability storm could occur. He tries to argue that it's not an issue so long as the constellations are satisfied, but the enforcers tell him to look at his own sorry state.
"That can happen?" Lee Hyunsung asked, looking shocked and concerned. "Is that how all dokkaebi are created?"
Kim Dokja smiled. "Not all of them. Still, it's one of the reasons why constellations want to spread their stories through their incarnations in the scenarios. If they can't do that, then that's one of the places they could end up, or they could just fade away entirely."
Suddenly, Lee Jihye looked pensive, bringing her hand to her chin in a thinking pose. Unsurprisingly, Kim Dokja had the distinct feeling that they'd be getting another dose of her trademarked bullshit in a moment.
"Ahjussi, how are dokkaebi born, anyway? We haven't seen any girl dokkaebis yet."
…
Okay, that was actually a decent question from her, for once. Now that he thought about it, he could only recall seeing one or two female dokkaebis in all of TWSA. What was up with that?
[the constellation 'guam divine doctor' is pondering the question of the incarnation 'lee jihye'.]
Still, he could answer at least one part of this whole conundrum. "Well, there are some dokkaebi who are fallen constellations, but others are born from eggs."
Everyone fell silent at that, looking various degrees of baffled.
"I'm sorry?" Yoo Sangah asked, blinking as though she had heard him wrong. Unfortunately, she hadn't.
Lee Gilyoung's brow furrowed in confusion. "Hyung, that doesn't make sense."
"Ahjussi, does that mean that a dokkaebi is like a platypus?" Shin Yoosung whispered conspiratorially, looking equally confused.
Uh… what?
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is scratching his head in confusion.]
Kim Dokja chuckled a bit and glanced away. "They're weird alien creatures—just don't think about it too much, I guess."
Lee Jihye scowled. "Damn you, ahjussi. I'm going to be thinking about this forever now."
Well, that wasn't his problem. Right now, he was more interested in seeing what the hell was going on with Paul.
Probability crackles around him suddenly, causing Paul to panic and wonder why a storm is forming. The enforcers cut in to remind him that he had an opportunity to end the scenario without invoking the 'Executive Rights', pointing out that it would have been even a refreshing development that has never been seen before.
The scene of Dokja reaching out his hand to 41st Yoosung plays in slow motion before the colours invert as the enforcers berate Paul. [Why did you intervene? Because of your heavy-handedness, the Seoul Dome Bureau is now in a state of emergency.]
Paul tries to make a plea for them to wait as Dokja's group below all level him with fierce glares. In deserved desperation, Paul asks the constellations to back him up on his decision since they had approved his actions. However, no one responds.
"Ha! Fuck you, Paul!" Han Sooyoung laughed, flipping off the screen. "Enjoy your probability storm, dipshit!"
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is cackling.]
Oh yeah, now that was a nice sight. Not only was he suffering for his hubris, but he was also getting chewed out for fucking up Kim Dokja's plan. All was right in the world.
"So he intervened for his own interests, and possibly to get back at Dokja-ssi, and has made the situation worse," Lee Seolhwa observed with a frown.
"That's basically what happened, yeah," Kim Dokja replied with a shrug. "And now he's begging for help that no one wants to provide."
Kim Dokja patted Shin Yoosung's hair as the girl glared at the screen, muttering what he hoped weren't profanities at the dokkaebi.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is extremely unimpressed by the dokkaebi 'paul'.]
The enforcers call him foolish as the stream is shown from the constellations' side, where their small chat shows that many constellations who had initially approved of his methods have now left since things didn't turn out as they had expected.
As Paul's eyes widen and he's overcome with nervous sweating, the enforcers mock him for not realising that constellations had left. Bihyung looks over his own channel and takes note of the situation. 'Most of the constellations who encouraged Paul and wanted Kim Dokja dead left the channels focusing on the Korean Peninsula the moment the scenario went back to being a 'soap opera'. A third of the constellations on my channel left too, leaving behind only the constellations who favoured Kim Dokja.'
In a show of support, 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' glares at Paul, 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' laughs at him, and 'Secretive Plotter' mocks him. Paul then swears as he tries to argue that he was set up. Finally, he screams out in his real voice that it wasn't right. In a last-ditch effort driven entirely by his desire for vengeance, he tries to take Bihyung down with him. He tells the enforcers that he has evidence of the other dokkaebi breaking rules of the Star Stream, but Bihyung just looks extremely confused by this declaration.
"Wait, they just abandoned him?" Jung Heewon asked, eyes wide, before bursting out laughing. "That's hilarious!"
Well, the constellations were fickle on a good day—it wasn't surprising that they had left for the greener pastures of other channels. As an intermediate dokkaebi, Paul really should have remembered that possibility.
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is scoffing at the bad manners of the dokkaebi 'paul'.]
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is offering free wine for a toast.]
Han Sooyoung clicked her tongue with a slight bitter scowl before gesturing to Kim Dokja. "What the fuck, his channel was at 9,999 before, and if a third left, then that means that there are still around 6,600 constellations that support this asshole?"
What could he say, he was just that charming.
As the constellations joined in on the mockery, Kim Dokja let out a small laugh. Those three were always so supportive, and it felt nice to know that they had his back. He looked up at the starry ceiling and smiled. "Thanks for that."
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is smiling widely.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is puffing out his chest pridefully.]
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' believes that the incarnation 'kim dokja' should smile more.]
Oh. Well that was unexpected, but it wasn't like there was all that much to smile about in the apocalypse. Still, it was nice to hear that every once in a while.
Then, he sighed and glanced over his shoulder. "Joonghyuk-ah, I know you hate constellations, but they're just being nice."
Yoo Joonghyuk was glaring intently at the messages, and Kim Dokja genuinely wasn't sure what had set the protagonist off this time. None of them were being rude, after all, so what was his problem?
Glancing up, the protagonist's eyes narrowed as he looked at Kim Dokja. "You are a fool."
Kim Dokja just rolled his eyes. Why had he expected a straight answer from this man anyway? He'd have better luck trying to get Lee Jihye to stop snickering because of whatever bullshit was in her mind.
The enforcers then drop the satisfying bomb that Bihyung was the one who called for them, even going so far as to praise him. [Dokkaebi Bihyung—he is a very good dokkaebi; just look at his humility. He has the integrity of a streamer who ignores everything and immerses himself in the scenarios. He's different from you and the dokkaebis who only wear luxurious clothing.]
Bihyung waves casually, looking a bit flustered, as the enforcers tell Paul that it was his third time breaking the rules, and Bihyung then mutters that Paul knew that he had already been punished twice, so he shouldn't have done something out of line.
Paul's fury only grows stronger as he states that his boss won't let them get away with this, sounding a little like 10 year-old Dr█co Ma█foy whining that his father will hear of it. As the enforcers prepare to leave with the rule-breaker, a voice suddenly calls out, "Wait, hold on."
"So he was trying to frame Bihyung, but that didn't work," Lee Hyunsung observed. "I may not like Bihyung much, but a false accusation is really bad!"
Ah, Lee Hyunsung, always so sensible and also kind of naive. The world wasn't anywhere near as nice as he wished it would be, and Bihyung was just a symptom of that. Still, Kim Dokja had to admit that it was a good move, even if the praises that the enforcers were lavishing on Bihyung were probably a bit much, though.
[several constellations praise the dokkaebi 'bihyung' for his foresight.]
Kim Dokja did have to find it kind of amusing that the dokkaebi used a 'three strikes and you're out' type system, though. Why was he getting so up in arms about it when it was his fault anyway?
Suddenly, the future Kim Dokja called out to the enforcers, and Yoo Mia blinked in confusion. "Ahjussi? Why are you stopping them from taking him to jail?"
"I honestly don't know," Kim Dokja admitted. There wasn't really a point to it, unless… wait, no, he wasn't that highly ranked in the Dokkaebi Bag yet. Maybe he could bribe Bihyung into upgrading him…?
Everyone turns their attention to the speaker, Dokja, as the enforcers ask in confusion if he just called out to them.
{Bihyung, I'm giving you 100,000 coins. Promote me to a platinum member for the Dokkaebi Bag,} Dokja orders. At Bihyung's confusion, Dokja just tells him to do it.
When the enforcers ask why he called out to them, Dokja says that he wants to make an appointment for a 'Dokkaebi one-on-one'. The enforcers exchange a look and politely tell him that a private meeting can only be requested by shop members at the platinum level or above. They then pause and realize that he has somehow achieved that feat despite being an incarnation, catching them off-guard.
Like an absolute badass, Dokja asks if he meets the requirements now as Joonghyuk stares at him with something like shock on his face. The enforcers ask who Dokja wants to meet, stating that he could even call a senior dokkaebi and start to talk about scheduling when Dokja cuts them off and states there's no need to find any free slots. "The one I want to meet is the guy with you right now. I want…. A one-on-one with the intermediate dokkaebi 'Paul'."
[many constellations are flabbergasted.]
[the constellation 'mass production maker' is laughing cheerfully.]
"A hundred thousand fucking coins!?" Han Sooyoung screeched, looking almost manic with how quickly she turned around to stare directly at him. Well, to be fair, 30,000 of those were from Metatron, so it wasn't like he had gotten all of them from his contract with Bihyung or scenario rewards.
"What are you trying to do with the upgrade?" Yoo Sangah wondered, glancing between Kim Dokja and the screen in confusion.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is impressed by the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Well, he was probably richer than most Historical-grade constellations. Kim Dokja grinned widely. "There are certain things that only members of specific levels are allowed to do, and there's only one I can think of using right now."
Sure enough, only a moment later, he had requested a private meeting. Still, who would he request to meet with? A higher level dokkaebi to ensure that Paul got appropriate punishment? That would make sense, but something about it didn't seem quite right.
"Y'know, sometimes you scare me a bit, Dokja-ssi," Jung Heewon admitted with a chuckle.
Uh… sorry?
Then, Kim Dokja declared that he wanted to meet with Paul, and Yoo Mia sent him an extremely judgemental look. "Ahjussi, why are you delaying them from locking him up?"
"I think I might need to get an answer out of him for something," Kim Dokja muttered, trying to piece together just what it could be. It felt like the pieces were just out of reach, and he couldn't figure it out without a bit of extra information to bring them closer.
Dokja points directly at the dokkaebi who has now scrunched up his brow as he looks down at him. The enforcers share a look before a deformed and maliciously eager smile materializes in the previously blank space below their glowing eyes. With a cackle, they approve of the one-on-one, transporting the two into a translucent space in the sky for a maximum time of 20 minutes. From the outside, only their silhouettes can be seen by the incarnations on the ground and the enforcers, but it's enough to have a general understanding of what's happening inside.
Paul, who's still tied up, asks what the hell Dokja is plotting and if he's rubbing it in. Dokja reminds him not to act cocky, telling the dokkaebi that he completely understands the situation.
Paul grins and narrows his eyes in a mocking manner as he claims that he knows what Dokja's thinking—he wants revenge for that disaster. Dokja looks at the dokkaebi as though he's lower than dog shit on his shoe while Paul states that he can try his worst since this is a place where neither party can put the other in mortal danger no matter how hard they try.
A close up of the dokkaebi's deranged expression is shown as Dokja's fist grows in the reflection of his glasses. With a satisfying crunch, the punch—which slows down to draw out the moment of impact in the most beautiful way—sends the dokkaebi flying into the barrier as his blood splatters around them.
"They look awfully ominous," Lee Seolhwa muttered with a small frown.
Kim Dokja had to admit that was true, but he had 20 minutes of uninterrupted time with the dokkaebi. It was a bit weird that they could be seen from the outside like that, but it was likely the same type of barrier as the one used during the King's Qualification scenario earlier.
[several constellations dislike the attitude of the dokkaebi 'paul'.]
Yeah, even tied up and ready to be taken away, the damned dokkaebi still sounded cocky. Did he seriously think that Kim Dokja was going to let him get away without at least spilling what he wanted to know?
"He's so mean," Shin Yoosung grumbled, glaring at Paul. "I hate him, ahjussi. I really do."
Kim Dokja would be surprised if anyone other than a few shitty constellations disagreed with her there. The dokkaebi was awful.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is disappointed that the incarnation 'kim dokja' can't kill the dokkaebi 'paul'.]
Lee Gilyoung scowled at that, looking genuinely disappointed. Still, his eyes widened in shock and glee only a moment later when Kim Dokja's fist slammed into Paul's face.
"Oh my god, ahjussi," Lee Jihye squealed, "that was amazing!"
It was a pretty good hit too, if he said so himself. God it was so satisfying, and it certainly didn't hurt that both the kids cheered and looked genuinely excited. Shin Yoosung, in particular, was extremely vocal.
Yoo Joonghyuk, on the other hand, looked less impressed. "Kim Dokja, you don't know what the penalty is for striking him."
"Who cares?" Han Sooyoung scoffed. "He punched a fucking dokkaebi!"
[many constellations are excited by the current events.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is tearing out his hair in shock.]
[the eyes of the constellation 'secretive plotter' are glimmering with satisfaction.]
With his glasses destroyed and his nose all bloody, Paul yells at Dokja in a rage. Dokja just looks at him with a blank expression as he starts to explain in a level voice, "I can't kill you, but I can hurt you. Until now, you never knew what pain was like, did you? As a dokkaebi, you've never taken a beating like this in your whole life."
Paul's pupils shrink and shake as he attempts to threaten Dokja—who looks threatening and shadowed while looming over him—with the fact that a special rule will take effect when abusing private meetings. As he says this, a notification declares that 500 coins have been deducted as a penalty. Paul keeps going, referring to Dokja solely as a 'Foolish Human' and mocks that he can hit him all he wants and watch as his savings drop, since all incarnations are clearly poor.
"Hell yeah! Bash his lights in!" Jung Heewon yelled excitedly. "God I wish I could get a hit in too."
Didn't they all? Hell, even Yoo Sangah looked like she wanted to, and that was a wild thing to think about. Honestly, the fact that Yoo Joonghyuk wasn't first in line was a bit weird, but maybe he was actually learning to think about consequences, and that was probably for the best.
"You might have broken his nose there," Lee Seolhwa observed clinically. "Do be careful. I don't know how different dokkaebi biology is, but if you hit him with enough force, you could end up accidentally killing him."
She smiled angelically. "So pull your punches slightly, and you should be fine."
[some constellations are surprised by the words of the incarnation 'lee seolhwa'.]
Well, even if she was the Saint of Healing this time around, that was a good reminder that she could hurt others just as easily.
Still, Kim Dokja's grin widened. Only 500 coins per hit? That was barely change in his pocket.
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is greatly entertained by the current events.]
"Well, if there's one thing that Dokja-ssi isn't, it's poor," Lee Hyunsung chuckled. "I don't think he realized that he just gave Dokja-ssi the green light to hit him a lot."
Exactly. This was going to be so cathartic.
Dokja's eyes are blank and his expression is impassive as he stares down at Paul. "How much do you think I have? How do you think I, with the paltry savings of an average incarnation, became a platinum member?"
With every new word that spills from Dokja's mouth, Paul's expression changes from resistance and anger into unabashed fear. A window appears, showing that Dokja has a balance of 205,902 coins. He smiles coldly at the dokkaebi who now looks so small below him. "I have more than enough coins. I made a lot thanks to scum like you."
This is the first promise that I have to keep.
[many constellations are impressed by the savings of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
"Yeah, ahjussi is rich!" Shin Yoosung insisted, a smile growing on her face.
Lee Gilyoung's expression was almost feral as he grinned widely, looking genuinely excited to see this. Honestly, it freaked Kim Dokja out a bit.
Yoo Joonghyuk made a noise that could have been a chuckle. When Kim Dokja glanced over, the protagonist was looking at him appraisingly. It seemed like all of his hesitations about the penalty had flown out the window, and now he just looked like the bloodthirsty protagonist that he was.
"Kim Dokja, you may have a lot of coins and good stats," he said, his voice a low rumble that almost caressed Kim Dokja's ears as he spoke, "but you don't know how to make those hits count."
Hey, was he seriously insulting Kim Dokja's fighting skills now? How rude.
Then, Yoo Joonghyuk smirked devilishly and Kim Dokja felt his heart stutter at the sight. God, who let him do that!? Forget Kim Dokja, how would all the women withstand that kind of expression on a face that handsome? It was impossible. No one could escape Yoo Joonghyuk's deadly good looks when he was basically wielding them as a weapon!
"By the time we reach this damned scenario in the future, I will personally ensure that you can beat that dokkaebi half to death."
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is shrieking in excitement.]
Oh fuck.